Yup Peter,

I was thinking about a leather hinge. I have a huge supply of full thickness scraps ( don't ask how I got them) but very little skill with leather.
 
Maybe rivets instead of stitching. Wish there was a leather working van owner nearby and I would trade metalwork for leatherwork :-)

Alistair

>  Apr 11, 2016, at 4:29 PM, Peter Kraiker <turbowesty@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Your right that I have the engine battery in the engine compartment. The PO put the house battery in the driver side box and took out the metal cover to make room for a deep cycle battery. The passenger side compartment has been used as storage. Both of the vinyl hinges are still in good condition though so I haven't had to address that problem. You can see them in this photo:
> http://nextchapter.kraiker.ca/#jp-carousel-1833
> It shows most of the passenger side and you can see the battery cover rubber sheet on the other side as it's folded back.
> 
> If I had to repair it I'd be inclined to either fashion something from a nice leather (on the outside, glued & stitched) or some rubber glued in from underneath.
> 
> I can check with Volker to see if he's done that repair before.
> 
> Alistair Bel wrote:
>> Yeah, you're right.
>> 
>> Hey, you mention the pedestal carpets being in fair shape. But do you have the problem of the vinyl section on the carpet hinge (battery access lids, even though I think your battery is in stock diesel location) being ripped?
>> 
>> If so, you got any clever tips on repair?
>> 
>> Alistair
>> 
>> 
>>> On Apr 11, 2016, at 8:13 AM, turbowesty <turbowesty@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Then you'll enjoy Week 7 too ;)
>>> http://nextchapter.kraiker.ca/thoughts/westfalia-restoration-week-7/
>>> 
>>> Regards, Peter
>>> NextChapter.Kraiker.ca
>>> 1982 Vanagon L Westy 1.9 TD
>>> 
>>>> On Apr 11, 2016, at 11:03, Alistair Bel <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Boy, following your van resto progress brings out the worst on me....
>>>> 
>>>> Jealousy :-)
>>>> 
>>>> Great stuff Peter, thanks for documenting it.
>>>> 
>>>> Alistair
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Apr 10, 2016, at 11:31 AM, Peter Kraiker <turbowesty@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> So volks, what's your remedy for sealing up the air intake for the
>>>>> heater to keep mice out?
>>>>> http://nextchapter.kraiker.ca/restoration/the-mouses-tale/
>>>>> --
>>>>> 
>>>>> Regards, Peter Kraiker
>>>>> Website: Kraiker.Photography
>>>>> <http://kraiker.photography><http://kraiker.photography>
>>>>> Blog: NextChapter.Kraiker.ca <http://Nextchapter.kraiker.ca>
>>>>> 1982 Vanagon L Westy 1.9TD
>>>>> <http://www.getpostbox.com>
> 
> -- 
> Regards, Peter Kraiker
> Website: Kraiker.Photography
> Blog: NextChapter.Kraiker.ca
> 1982 Vanagon L Westy 1.9TD